Jerome Block Jr. faces eight criminal indictments.
If Jerome Block doesn't resign from the state's Public Regulation Commission today, the commission will discuss his removing his role as vice chairman at tomorrow's meeting.
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The Santa Fe New Mexican's Kate Nash reports that Block's vice chair removal is on the PRC agenda tomorrow. If they vote to do so, Block would still stay on the PRC. The state legislature has the power to remove him from the commission.
Yesterday the PRC recommended Block's resignation, adding to similar calls from Gov. Susana Martinez, state House Minority Leader Rep. Tom Taylor (R-Farmington) and the Democratic Party chairpersons in eight counties encompassing Block's PRC district.
Block allegedly didn't return a Honda Accord from a car dealership after taking it on a test drive three weeks ago. The dealership reported it stolen. The car was found last Thursday in downtown Santa Fe, 20 miles from Block's residence. Block told the Journal North that he misplaced the car's keys on a trip to Los Angeles. Block also says he's been in therapy for depression. He denied that a note found in the car was suicidal.
While the PRC's letter called for his resignation, it also wished him to "receive whatever help he needs to get through this," according to the Journal.
Block is also under investigation for spending more than $8,000 in state money on gas receipts during the first six months of 2011.
If Block does step down, Martinez would have to appoint a new commissioner who's term would last through 2012, PRC General Counsel Robert Hirasuna tells SFR.
Controversy and the PRC often go hand-in-hand. Last year, then-commissioner Carol Sloan was removed from her seat after being found guilty on two felony counts for assaulting a woman she believed was having an affair with her husband.
The PRC meeting is Thursday at 9:30am in the PERA building.
